Document background
The Estate Planning Letter of Intent serves as a crucial supplementary document in Canadian estate planning, designed to provide detailed guidance and clarification of the testator's wishes beyond what is contained in formal legal documents. While not legally binding, it helps executors, trustees, and family members understand and implement the testator's intentions regarding various aspects of estate administration, personal property distribution, and care arrangements. This document is particularly valuable when dealing with matters that may not be appropriate for inclusion in a will or trust, such as funeral preferences, personal property distribution rationale, or specific care instructions for dependents. The Letter of Intent is commonly used across Canadian provinces and territories, though its interpretation may vary by jurisdiction. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in circumstances and should align with formal estate planning documents.
